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Report shows most high schoolers feel unprepared for post-grad pathways, citing a need for better career and college guidance.
Supreme Court ruling expands families’ ability to sue schools over inadequate disability accommodations.
NYC students study microplastics in fish through a museum-based science mentoring program.
Research & Practice
Development and Psychopathology: Low Household Income and Adolescent Mental Health
Researchers examined the relationship between household income and adolescent mental health. With a sample of 872 Dutch adolescents, they measured children’s internalizing (e.g., anxiety and depression) and externalizing symptoms (e.g., conduct and behavioral issues). Results indicate that children from low-income households had higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The researchers suggest that the relationship is bidirectional; household poverty exacerbates mental health problems, which creates more challenges for children to receive mental health supports. Numerous factors may impact this connection, including parental mental health, adverse life experiences, and perceived social support. Specific neighborhood characteristics, such as the prevalence of crime and unemployment rate, did not affect the relationship. The study highlights the complex interplay between household income, individual, parental, and social factors, and the need to take preventive and comprehensive approaches to support adolescent mental health.
University of South Florida and The Harris Poll: 2025 Life in Media Survey
Prior research has indicated a strong link between digital media use and children’s well-being. A new pilot study from the University of South Florida, in collaboration with The Harris Poll, measures several variables related to media consumption and its link to anxiety and depression. With a sample of 11- to 13-year-olds in Florida, researchers found that children with smartphones reported higher well-being compared to their peers without smartphones. Children who post publicly on social media were more likely to report higher symptoms of depression and anxiety and have worse sleep. 57% of children surveyed reported being cyberbullied in the past three months, and those children also reported being more depressed and angry. The study expands on previous research by examining the prevalence and impacts of certain measures, such as binge-watching and sharing misinformation online. It is created as a longitudinal study to continue measuring these variables as children age and their social media habits evolve.
HR Dive: Majority of High Schoolers Say They Don’t Feel Prepared for Post-Graduation
A recent study measured Generation Z high school students’ preparedness for entering the workforce or attending college after graduating from high school. In their third annual survey, only 26% of students felt that their schools were teaching “skills relevant to [their] future.” Most students knew the process to apply to a four-year college or join the workforce, but they were unaware of other pathways they could pursue, such as joining the military or completing certification programs. Almost one in ten students reported that their high school did not prepare them for any pathway. Students shared that they view their parents as the most trusted resource to provide them with postgraduate advice, but parents reported that they know little about the current job market. The research demonstrates the need for families to receive more support and education on pathways after high school.
Policy
The Washington Post: Supreme Court Makes it Easier to Sue Schools over Disability Accommodations
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled to make it easier for families to prove that schools are not providing adequate accommodations for students with disabilities. The decision maintained that schools should undergo the same process for disability discrimination cases as in other sectors. The ruling, AJT v. Osseo, was on behalf of a Minnesota teen with epilepsy who was denied accommodations by Osseo Area Public Schools. The district claimed that providing these services would set an unfair precedent for other school districts. A lawyer for the school district asserted that while they cared deeply about student well-being, changing the processes could expose the schools to potential legal repercussions if they do not adhere to the new ruling. The family asserted that the Supreme Court ruling was a win for students with disabilities across the country who are experiencing discrimination in their schools.
Governing: Washington Becomes Latest State to Increase School Discipline
Washington joins several other states in implementing new school discipline rules in response to student behaviors since the pandemic. Teachers can exclude students from their classroom for up to two consecutive days. School officials are no longer required to identify other forms of discipline before they decide to suspend or expel students. A school district is also required to collect data on disciplinary procedures to submit to the state. The change of ruling was met with criticism from community members and advocates. They believe that the state did not seek feedback on the new reforms, and that the rules will disproportionately impact already vulnerable students, such as students of color and students with disabilities. The state will continue to meet with community organizations regarding their concerns, and the new policies will go into effect on July 11.
Around the Nation
EdSource: Students Showed Resilience as Schools Recovered from L.A. Fires
In January, fires impacted students across the Los Angeles and Pasadena Unified School Districts. Two schools burned down, but the schools were able to resume classes at new locations quickly, in hopes of providing stability and resources to students. Due to families moving to less affected areas, fewer students were in classes. Teachers shifted to providing more individualized instruction that focused more on student well-being and emotional support. At the end of the school year, educators asserted that students made progress in recovering academically and emotionally. The district conducted diagnostic assessments and found that elementary and middle school students’ test scores had improved by the end of the school year, despite the majority of students evacuating from their homes. Families who were displaced due to the fires hope to return next school year.
The Hechinger Report: High School Sleuths Search Fish Guts for Clues to Plastics Pollution
High school student participants in the Science Research Mentoring Program dissected fish to find microplastics. The program run by the American Museum of Natural History provides opportunities for 60 New York City high school students to gain experience through hands-on research projects alongside scientists. Students analyzed fish from the museum’s collection, which totals 3.2 million and includes fish from over a century ago. Students discovered that some fish had over 15 microplastic pieces in them, with fish near urban settings having a higher amount of microplastics. Microplastics are linked to health risks for humans and animals. As schools typically do not have the resources to conduct in-depth science research, alternative educational settings such as museums can provide additional enrichment for students. The program has led participants to develop their scientific skills and interests. Said one student: “I have totally fallen in love with science. It’s been an amazing experience to see what professional science looks like – and more than just see it, to be a part of it.”
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